David Kirkwood
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In Memory of
David
Kirkwood
1924 - 2015
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Obituary for David Kirkwood

Peacefully at home on Friday, July 31, 2015, surrounded by his family. Born in Toronto, August 8, 1924 he grew up in an academic atmosphere on the grounds of the University of Toronto where his parents were both professors. He attended his uncle’s primary school, then UTS, and eventually Trinity College, graduating in 1945 in Physics. He was advised to continue to Chalk River to work on the Atomic Energy Project which he did for three years before returning to university to get an MA in Politics. Upon attaining his degree he joined the Department of External Affairs. This began a 36 year career as a public servant which included postings to Paris, Athens, and Bonn, and subsequently positions in the Privy Council Office, and then the Departments of National Defence (ADM Policy), Transport (ADM), Chairman of the Anti-Dumping Tribunal, Supply and Services (DM) and finally Health and Welfare (DM). In retirement, David lent his skills to various agencies such as the boards of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Canadian Mediterranean Institute and the Hospice at May Court.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Diana, and his four children Peter, Gill (Laurie), Melissa (Chesley) and John, as well as his sister Naomi (Kuhn), his brother John and his in-laws David, John and Sylvia. He will also be dearly missed by his seven grandchildren Nick, Hadrian, Jamie, Caroline, Finn, Zoë and John as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family and countless friends.

He was a quiet man whose opinion needed to be sought out, but for those who did, his advice was invaluable. He enjoyed playing soccer, hockey and long distance running at university and maintained this interest in sports throughout his life. He loved tennis, winter weekends of cross-country skiing at the Five Lakes Fishing Club, canoe trips with close friends over some 25 years and particularly sailing trips with family and friends in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. David was fond of music and took great pleasure in singing with the Ottawa Choral Society for many years. He was an avid and able fisherman. One of his greatest joys was salmon fishing on the Sandhill River in Labrador. Once the family cottage was built, he spent many happy hours building deck furniture to seat the crowd at drinks time!

The family is most grateful to Dr. David Esdaile for his compassionate care, particularly during these last months.

Service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa on Friday, August 7 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.

If desired, donations may be made to Trinity College, www.trinity.utoronto.ca , 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1H8.

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